(WAND) — Violent encounters aren't happening every day in central Illinois classrooms, but records show they are happening every month. Districts are now taking action to keep their hallways and classrooms safe.
WAND News took a closer look at the responses from Springfield, Decatur and Champaign Police Departments to the high schools and middle schools in their cities during the first month of school this year.
In just the first three weeks of DPS61's academic year, the Decatur Police Department was called out for six fights at MacArthur High School, Eisenhower High School and Stephen Decatur Middle School.
"We partner with a lot of organizations within our community," Valdimir Talley told WAND News about the violence issue.
Talley has been on the job for about eight months as DPS61's Safety and Security Administrator. He said the district is leaning into community partnerships to help address the issue.
"The ministerial alliances, organizations that have people who are in Second Chance, and what they can do is they can offer a different point of view or perspective for kids so they can come out of poor behavioral practices," Talley explained.
The district has also implemented safety measures like metal detectors, a new backpack policy, and increased training for school security officers.
"Making sure that they're all qualified, certified in CPR, AED. [Also] making sure that they learn, and understand, de-escalation techniques with a specific program we're involved in," Talley told WAND News.
Springfield District 186 has also stepped up its infrastructure, building secure school entrances and installing metal detectors.
"We have integrated weapons detection systems in the middle schools and high schools, and those are working well also," Jason Wind, Executive Director of School Support for District 186, explained.
He said 186 is also working to protect students from outside threats.
"One of our high schools have initiated a badge system. Visitors check in with their ID, it does a slight background check on them to let us know if they have any law enforcement issues," Wind told WAND News.
Springfield Police officers were called out to 186 high schools dozens of times in the first month of school, including for a fight at Lanphier, Southeast and Springfield High Schools each.
"If you see something, say something, with students and staff. That's been a very positive thing because kids are reporting, and when kids report things going on, it helps us in the long run," Wind said.
Records show Champaign Police responded to Jefferson Middle School for one fight. Officers were also called to Centennial High School for one fight and three battery calls. There were no violent calls to Central High School in the first month of school.
Unit 4 has also installed metal detectors in its high schools and plans to install them in middle schools as well.
Decatur and Springfield district officials said they also want to see parents become more involved and proactive. They specifically mentioned social media and the need for parents to talk with their kids about what they're posting and what is happening on social media. They also want to see parents involved in organizations and attend parent-teacher conferences.
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